Study: Gas pumps are the most germ-infested places in America

Trying to avoid a cold this season? Count gas pumps, mailbox handles, ATM buttons, and escalator rails as things that you probably don’t want to touch.

Microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba at the University of Arizona just completed a study that pointed out some of the most germ-infested places in America. According to Dr. Gerba, nicknamed “Dr. Germ,” 71 percent of gas handles and 68 percent of mailbox handles fall into the category of “highly contaminated.” Forty-one percent of ATM machine buttons are in that same group. Parking meters, crosswalk buttons, and vending machines are among some of the other more disgusting items people might find themselves touching throughout the work day.

Short of turning into a Howard Hughes-like germaphobe, what can be done about the apparent filthiness of everything around us? The Kimberly-Clark Professional’s Healthy Work Place Project, Dr. Gerba’s partners in the study, suggest washing your hands throughout the day–basically every time you change locations–when arriving to work, leaving a desk, eating, and after touching almost anything.

First reported in USA Today, these experts also recommend being extra careful when dining out as well, recommending that diners wipe down their tables when sitting down.

Curious as to what other everyday objects to avoid? Take a look at the chart made from the results of this study:

Testing Reveals High Contamination Levels of Everyday Objects in Major U.S. Cities. (PRNewsFoto/Kimberly-Clark Professional)